Newspaper Page Text
PRESIDENT'S MESSiCE.
Felint-Citizfns of lA* Senate,
indof the ll&Hse of Representative —
The Interest with which the people of
the Republic anticipate the assembling of
Congress, and the fulfilment, on that occa
sion, of the duty imposed upon anew Pre
sident, is one of the best evidences of their
capacity to realize the hopes of the found
ers of a political system, at once complex
and symmetrical. While the different
branches of the government are, to a cer
tain txtent, independent of each other, the
duties of all, alike, have direct reference
to the source of power. Fortunately, un
der this system, no man is so high, and
none so humble, in the scale of public sta
tion, as to escape from the scrutiny, or to
sxempt from the responsibility, which all
official functions imply.
Upon the justice and intelligence of the
masses, in a government thus organized,
is the sole reliance of the confederacy, and
the only security for the honest and ear
nest devotion to its interest against the
usurpations and encroachments power on
the one hand, and the assaults of personal
ambition on the other.
The interest, of which I have spoken is
inseparable from an enquiring, self-govern
ing community, bat stimulated, doubtless,
at the present time, by the unsettled con
dition of our relations with several foreign
powers; by the new obligations resulting
firom a sudden extension of the field of en
terprise; by the spirit with which that field
has been entered, and the amazing ener
gy with which its resources for meeting
the demands of humanity have been de
veloped.
Although disease, assuming at one time
the characteristic of a wide-spread and
devastating pestilence, has left its sad tra
ces upon some portions of our country, we
have still the most abundant cause for
reverent thankfulness to God for an accu
mulation of signal mercies showered upon
us as a nation. It is well that a concien
ciousness of rapid advancement, and in
creasing strength be habitually associated
with an abididg sense of dependence upon
Him who holds in his hands the destiny of
men and nations.
Recognising the wisdom ol the broad
principle of absolute religious toleration
proclaimed in our fundamental law, and
rejoicing in the benign influence which it
has exerted upon our social and political
condition, I should shrink from a clear du
ty, did I fail to express my deepest convic
tion, that we can place no secure reliance
upon any apparent progress, if it be not
sustained by national integrity, resting up
on the great truths affirmed and illustrated
by divine revelation. In the midst of our
sorrow for the afflicted and suffering, it
has been consoling to sec how promptly
disaster made true neighbors of districts
and cities separated widely from each oth
er, and cheering to watch the strength of
that common bond of brotherhood, which
unites all hearts, in all parts of this Union,
when danger threatens from abroad, or
calamity impends over ns at home.
Our diplomatic relations with foreign
powers have undergone no essential change
since the adjournment of the last Congress.
With some of them, questions of a disturb
ing character are still pending, but there
are good reasons to believe that these may
all be amicably adjusted.
For some years past. Great Britain has
■o construed the first article of the Con
vention of the 20th April, 1818, in regard
to the fisheries on the northeastern coast,
as to exclude our citizens from some of
the fishing grounds, to which they freely
resorted for nearly a quarter of a century
subsequent to the date of that treaty.
The United States have never acquiesced
in this construction, but have always claim
ed for their fishermen all the rights which
they had so long enjoyed without molesta
tion. With a view to remove all difficul* <
ties on the subject, to extend the rights of
our fishermen beyond the lira ts fixed by
the Convention of 1818, and to regulate
trade between the U. Sand the British
North American provinces, a negotiation
has been opened, with a fair prospect of a
favorable result. To protect our fisher
men in the enjoyment of their rights, and
prevent collision between them and British
fishermen, I deem it expedient to station a
naval force in that quarter during the
fishing season.
Embarrassing qncstions ha vs also arisen
between the two governments in regard to
Central America. Great Britain has pro
posed to settle them by an amicable ar
rangement, and oar mimutcr at London is
instructed to aater into negotiations on
that subject.
A commission for adjusting the claims
of oar citizens against Great Britain, and
those of British subjects against the Uni
ted States, organized ander the conven
tion of the Bth of February last, is now
sitting in London for the transaction of
business.
It is in many respects desirable that the
boundary line between the United States
•nd the British provinces in the northwest,
M designated in the convention of the loth
of June. 1846, and especially that part
which separates the territory of Washing
ton from the British possessions on th
north, should be traced or marked. I
therefore present the subject to your notice
With F ranee, our relations continue on
the most frieudly footing. The exten
sive commerce between the United States
and that country might, it is conceived,
be released fromtgone unnecessary restric
tions, to the nHH&I advantage of both
parties. Withdrew to this object, some
progress has been made in negotiating a
treaty of commerce and navigation.
Independently of our valuable trade
with Spain, we have important political
relations with her, growing out of our
neighborhood to the islands of C üba and
Porto Rico- I am happy to announce,
that since the last Congress no attempts
have been made, by unauthorized expedi
tious within the United States, against
either of those colonies. Should an v move
ment be manifested within our limits, all
the means at my command will be vigo
rously exerted to repress it. Several an
noying occurrences have taken place at
Havana, or in the vicinity of the island of
v Cuba, between our citizens and the Span
authorities. Considering the proximity of
thaftsland to oar shores, —lying, us it
does, in the crack of trade betweeen some
of ur principal cities, —and the suspicious
rigitanoe with Which Foreign iutercour.se,
particularly that with the United States,
)* thejre guarded, a repetition of such oc
currences may well be apprehended. As
no diplomatic intercourse is allowed be
tween oar Cousul at Havana,, aud the
Captain General of Cuba, ready explana
tions cannot be made, or prompt redress
•forded, where injsry has resulted. All
compla-nt on the part of our eitizßm, ttn
der the present arrangement, must be, in
xiie first place, presented to this govern
ment, and then referred to Spain Spain
again refers to hor local authorities in
Cuba for investigation, and postpones an
answer till she has heard frqjn those author
ties, lo avoid these irritating and vexa
tious delays, a proposition has been made
to provide for a direct appeal for redress
to the Captain General by our consul, in
behalf of our in jured fellow citizens. Hith
erto, the government of Spain has declined
to enter into any such arrangement. This
cource on her part is deeply regretted; for
w thout some arrangements of this kind,
the good understanding between the two
countries may be ex[>osed to occasional in
terruption. Our Minister at Madrid is
instructed to renew the proposition, and
to press it again upon the consideration of
her Catholic Majesty’s government’
For several years Spain has been call
ing the attention of this government to a
claim for lo ses, by some of her subjects,
in the case of th • solio >ner Amistud, This
claim is believed to rest on the obligations
imposed by our existing treaty with that
country Its justice was admitted, in our
diplomatic correspondence with the Span
ish government, as e.irlv as vlarch, 1547;
and one of my predecessors, in his annual
m \ssage ot tuat year, recommended that
provisions should be made for its payment
In January last, it was again submitted
to Congress by the Executive. It has re
ceived a favor ble consideration by com
mittees of both branches, but as yet there
has been no final action upon it. I con
ceive that good faith requires its prompt
adjustment, and I present it to your earlv
and favorable consideration.
Martin Koszta, a Hungarian by birth,
came to this country in and declared
his intenti n, in due form of law, to become
a citizen of the United States. After re-
maining here nearly two years, he visited
Turkey. While at Smyrna he was forci
bly seized, taken on board an Austrian
brig of war, then lying in the harbor of
that place, and there confined in irons,
with the avowed design to take him into
the dominions of Austria. Onr consul at
Smyrna arid legation at Constantinople
terposed for his release, but their efforts
were ineffectual. While thus imprisoned,
Commander Ingraham, with the United
States ship of war, St. Louis, arrived at
Smyrna, and, after inquiring into the cir
cumstances of the case, came to the con
clusion that Koszta was entitled to the
protection of the government, and took
energetic and prompt measures for his re
lease,
Under an arrangement between the
agents of the United States and of Austria,
he was transferred to the custody of the
French consul general, at Smyrna, there
to remain until he should be disposed <f
by the mutual agreement of the consuls of
the respective governments of that place
Pursuant to that agreement lie has been
released and is now on his way to the U
nited States. The Emperor of Austria
has made the conduct of our officers who
took part in this transaction a subject
of grave complaint. Regard ng Koszta
as still his subject, and claiming a right to
seize within the limits of the Turkish Em
pire, he has demanded of this government
its consent to surrender of the prisoner, a
disavowal of the acts of its agents, and
satisfaction for the alleged outrage. Af
ter a careful consideration of the case, I
came to the conclusion that Koszta was
seized without legal authority at Smyrna;
that he was wrongfully detained on board
of the Austrian brig of war; that, at the
time of his seizure, lie was clothed with
the nationality of the United States; and
the acts of our officers, under the circum
stances of the case, were justifiable, and
their conduct has been fully approved by
me, and a compliance with the several de
mands of the Emperor of Austria has been
declined.
For a more full acc nut of this trans
action, and my views in regard to it, I
refer to the correspondence between the
charge d’aflfairs of Austria a*id the Secre
tary of Mate, which is herewith transmit
ted. The principles and policy, therein
maintained on the part of the United
States, will, whenever a proper occasion
occurs, be applied and enforced,
The condition of China, at this time,
renders it probable that some i. portant
changes will take place in that vast empire
which will lead to a more unrestricted in
tercourse with it. The commissioner to
that country, who has been recently ap
pointed, is instructed to avail himself of
all occasions to open and extend our com
mercial relation, not o ily with th * empire
of China, but with other Asiatic nations.
In 1852, an expedition was sent to Ja
pan, under the command of Commodore
Perry, for the purpose of opening con
mercial intercourse with that island. In
telligence has been received of his arrival
there, and of his having made known to
the Emperor of Japan the obiect of his
visit; but it is not yet ascertained how far
the Emperor will be disposed to abandon
•is restrictive policy, md open that popu
lous country to a commercial intercourse
with the United States.
It has been my earnest desire to main
tain friendly intercourse with the govern
ments npou this continent, and to aid them
in preserving a good understanding among
themselves. With Mexico, a dispute has
arisen as to the true boundary line be
tween our territory of New Mexico and
the Mexican State of c hihuahua, A for
iner commissioner of the United States,
employed in running that line pursuant to
the treaty of Gaudalupe Hidalgo, made a
serious mistake in determining the initial
point on the Rio Grande; but, inasmuch
as his decision was clearly a departure
from the directions for tracing the bound
ary contained in that treaty, and was not
concurred in by the .'surveyor appointed
on the part of the United .states, whose
concurrence was uecessaary to give validi
ty to that decisiou this govern uent is not
concluded thereby; but that of exico
takes a different view of the subject.
There are also other questions of con
siderable magnitude pending between tin*
two repubhes. Our minister in Mexico
lias ample instructions to adjust them
Negotiations have been opeued, but suffi
cicut progress has not been made therein
to enable me to speak of the probable re
result Impressed w.t i the im- ortauce of
maintaining amicable relations wth that
republic, and yielding with liberality to
all her just claims; it is reasonable to ex
pect that an arrangement mutually satis
factory to both couutrics may bo conclu
ded, aud a lasting friendship between
them confirmed and perpetuated
Congress having provided for a full mis
sion to the Mates of Central America, a
minister was scut thither in July last. As
yel,, he has had time to visit only on#
of thiUft States —(Nicaragua) —where lie
was received in thp most, friendly manner
It is hoped that his presence and good offi
ces will have a benign effect in composing
the dissentions which prevail among them,
and in establishing still more intimate and
friendly relations between them respective
ly, and between each of them and the U
uited states.
Considering the vast regions of this con
tinent, and the number of States which
would be made accessible by .the free nav
igation of the river Amaz .n particular at
tention has been given to this subject
Brazil, through wiiose territories it passes
into the ocean, has hitherto persisted in a!
policy so restrictive, in regard to the use
of this river, as to obstruct and nearly ex
clude foreign commercial intercourse with
tue bta,tes which lie upon, its tributaries
and upper branches. Our minister to that
country is instructed to obtain a relax*
tion of that policy, and'o use lbs efforts
to induce the the Brazilian government to
opeu to Common Use, Under proper s <f?-
gaards, this great natural h’ghway for in
teruatioa.il trade Several of the South
American States are deeply interested in
this attempt to secure r ree navigation of
the Amazon, and it is reasonable to ex
pect their co-operation in the measure.—
As the advantage of free commercial in
tercourse among nations are better un
lerstood, more liberal views are generally
entertained as to the common rights of
oil to the free use of these means which
nature has provided for international com
minieation. To these more liberal and
enlightened views, it is hoped that Brazil
will conform her policy, and remove all nn
necessary restrictions upon the free use of
a river which traverses so many States,
and so large a part of the continent. I
am happy to inform you that the Repub
lic of Paraguay and the Argentine Con
federation have yielded to the liberal poli
cy still resisted by Brazil, in regard to the
navigable rivers within their respective
territories. Treaties embracing this sub
ject among others, have been negotiated
with these governments, which will be
submitted lo the senate at the present
anew branch of commerce, important
to the agricultural interests of the United
States, has, within a few years past, been
opened to Peru. Notwithstanding the
inexhaustible deposites of cin.io upon the
islands of that country, considerable diffi
culties are experienced in obtaining the
requisite supply. Measures have been ta
ken to remove these difficulties, and to
secure a more abundant importation of
the article. Unfortunately, there has
been a serious collision between our citi
zens, wiio have resorted to the hincha
islands for it, and the Peruvian ut’ioritics
stationed tiiere. Redress for the outrages
committed by the latter, was promptly
demanded by our minister at Lima,- This
subject is under consideration, and (here
is reason to believe that Peru is disposed
to offer adequate iudcmniu to the aggriev
ed parties.
We are thus not only at peace with all
foreign countries, but in regard to politi
cal affairs, are exempt from any cause of
serious disquietude in our domestic rein- ■
tions.
The controversies which have agitated
the country heretofore, are passing away
with the causes which produced them and
the passions which they had awakened; or,
if any trace of them remains, it may be
reasonably hoped that it will only be per
ceived in the zealous rivalry of all good
citizens to testify their respect for the
rights of the States, their devotion to the
Union, and their common determination
that each one of the State, its institutions,
its welfare, and its domestic peace shall be
held alike secure under the sacred agis of
the constitution.
This new league of amity and of mutual
confidence and support, into which the
people of the republic have entered, hap
pily affords inducements and opportunity
for the adoption of a more comprehensive
and unembarrassed line of policy and ac
tio i as to the great material interests of
the country, whether regarded in them
-elves or in connection with the powers of
the civilized world.
The United “dates have continued grad
ually and steadily to expand, through ac
quisi tions of territory, which, how ranch
soever some of them may have been ques
tioned, are now universally seen and ad
mitted to have been wise in policy, just in
charar ter, and a great element in the ad
vancement of our country, and, with it, of
the human race, in freedom, in prosperity
and in happiness Ihe thirteen States
h‘ve grown to thirty-one, with relations
re iciiiug to Europe on the one side, and
on, the other to the distaut realms of
Asia.
1 am deeply sensible of the immense re
sponsibility which the present magnitude
of the republic, and the diversity and mul
tiplicity of its interests, devolves upon me;
the alieviation of whi. h, so far as relates
to the immediate conduct of the public bu
siness is, first, in my reliance on the wis
dom and patriotism in the two Houses of
o igress; and, secondly, in the directions
afforded by the principles of public policy,
affirmed hy >ur fathers of the epoch of
t sanctioned by long experience, and
consecrated anew by the overwhelming
voice of the people of the United Mates.
Recurring to these principles which con
stitute the organic basis of the union, we
perceive that, vast as are the functions
and duties of the federal government, ves
ted in, or entrusted to, is three great de
partments, the legislative, executive, and
judicial, yet the substantive power, the
popular force, and the large capac ties for
social and material development exist in
the respective States, which, all being of
tnemsetvcs well constituted republics, as
they preceded, >o they alone are capable
of maintaining and perpetuating the A
merican Union.
Tae te teral government ius its appro
pnate line o> actio i in tne specific and
limited powers conferred on it by the con
stitution, chitdly as to t iohc tilings ill
which the Mates .ace a common interest
in their relat ions *o one another, aud to
foreign -iOverumeub;; while the great mass
Ot interest wmen belong to cultivated men !
tne ordinary bi-i.ios; of life, the springs of
industry, all the diversified personal and
lomostic affairs of society, rest securely
ipou the general reserved powers of the
icople of the several States. There is the !
affective democrac of tuc nation, and!
there the vital essence of its being, and its ‘
greatness. j
One of the practical consequences which 1
How from the nature of the federal gov- ;
eminent,, the primary one is the dut y of 1
administering with integrity and fidelity
the high trust reposed in it by the consti
tution, especially in the appiicatioo of the
publiefunds, m drawn by taxation from
the people, and appropriated to specific
objects by (Congress. Happily I hare ‘no
occasion to suggest any radical changes in
the financial policy of the government.—
Ours is almost, if not absolutely, the soli
tary power of Christendom, having a sur
plus revenue drawn immediately from im
l>o ;es on commerce, and therefore mea
sured by the spontaneous: enterprize and
national prosperity of the country,, with
such indirect relation to agriculture, man
ufactures, and the products of the earth
and sea, as to viblatei po constitutional
doctrine and yet rigorously promote the
general welfare. Neither as to the sources
of the public treasttfe/b'dr as to the man
ner of keeping amj managing it, does any
grave controversy now prevail, there be
ing a general aoqaiesence in the wisdom qf
the present pysteui. i .
The report of Rfecretary if she Tfcja-j
sury. will exhibit in detail the atate of the
public finance*,, qnjl th.e condition of the
various branches, of the public service ad
ministered bv that department of the gov
enmeftt, i w v-v. -
The revenue of .the country,) levied al
most insemih'y to the tax payer,’ goes on 1
from year to year increasing beyond ei
ther the interests or the prospective * ants
of the government. -
At the clo<e of the fiscal year ending
June 30, 18 )2, there remained in the trea
sury a balance of fourteen million six hun
dred and thirty-two thousand one hundred
and thirty-six dollars. Tile public revenue
for the ,fiscal year ending June 30, 1853,
amounted to fifty eight million nine hun
dred and thirty one thou-and eight huu
huudrud and sixty five dollars from custo
nier.-; and two million four huad ed and
five thousand seven hundred aud eight
dollars from public lauds, and other mis
cellaneous sources, amounting together, to|
sixty one million three hundred and thirty
seveu thousand five hundred and seventy
four dollars; while the public expenditures
for the same period, exclusive of payments
on account of the public, debt, amounted
to forty three bullion five hundred’ and
fifty four thousand two hundred and. sixty
two dollars; leaving a balance of thirty
| two lailliou four hundred and twenty
five tno united four hundred and forty seven
dollars of receipts above expenditures.
! This fact, of increasing surplus in the
j treasury, became the subject of anxions
; consideration at a,very early period of my
■ administration, and the path- of duty in
! regard to it seemed to me obvious and
I clear namely: first, to apply the surplus
revenue to the discharge of the public
I debt, so far as it could judiciously be
■ done; and secondly, to devise means for
i the gradual retTuciioa : of the revenue to
j the standard of the public exigencies.
Os these objects the first has been in
j course of accomplishment in a manner
; and to a degree, highly satisfactory. *he
amount of the public debt, of all classes,
was, outlie 4th of arch, 1853, sixty nine
millions one hundred and ninety, thousand I
and thirty seven dollars; payments on
which have been made since that peri and,
I to the amount of twelve million seven hun
dred and t ree thousand and three hun
dred and twenty nine dollars, leaving un
i paid, and in the continuous course of li
j quidatiou, the sum of fifty six million four
| haudred and eighty six thousand and se
i ven hundred and eight dollars These pay
’ meats although made atr-the market prieje.
: of tiiu respective classes of stocks, have
been effected readily and to the general
| advantage of tqjtatreasury, and have at the
( same time proved t>f signal utility in the
relief they have incidentally afforded to
the money market and to the industrial
aud commercial pursuits of the coun
try.
The second of the above mentioned ob
jects, that of the reduction of the tariff, is
of great importance, and the plan sugges
ted by the Secretary of the Treasury,
which is to reduce the duties on certain
articles, and to add to the free list many
articles now tax'6d, and especially such as
enter into manufactures, and are not large
ly, or at all produced in the country, is
uoinmended toyour candid and careful con
sideration.
You will find in the report of the Secre
tary of the treasvry, also, abundant proof
of the entire adequacy of the present fiscal
system to meet all the requirements of the
public service, and that, while properly
administered, it operates to the advantage
of the community in ordinary business re
lations.
I respectfully ask your attention to sun
dry suggestions of improvements in the set
tlement of accounts,” especially as regards
the large sums of outstanding arrears due
to the government; and of otuer reforms in
the admim&j&itive Option of his department
which are iflMieatedPby the Secretary; as
also to the progress’ made in the construc
tion of marinie hospitals, custom houses,
and anew mint in Callifornia, and assay
office in the city of New York,- heretofore
provided for by Congress; and also to
the eminently successful 1 progress of the
l oast ‘ urvey, and of the Light House
Boa rd
Among the objects meriting your atteu
tiou will be important recommendations
from the Secretaries of “ar and Navy. I
am fully satislicdthal tiie United States Na.
vy is not in a condition of strength and effi
ciency eorawTttfurate with the magnitude of
our commercial and other interests; and
commend to your especial attention the
suggestions on this subject, made by the
Secretary of the Navy. I respectfully
submit that the army, which, under our
system, must always be regarded with the
highest interest, a$ a nucleus around whcli
the vo ointeef forces of the nation gather
in the hour of danger, requires augmenta
tion, or modification, to adapt it to the
present extended limits and frontier rela
tions of tne country, and the conditions of
the Indian tribes in the interior of the
continent; the necessity of which will ap
pear in the communications of the Secre
taries o War and the interior.
lulhd nimi listratioa of the Post Office
Department, tor the fiscal yfcar ending June
0, ls-5 ’. the £rbss ex enditure was seven
million auu.. hundred and eighty-two
t.ions ind seven hundred aud fifty-six dol
lars; and the gross receipts, diring the
same period five million nine hundred
and forty two thousand seven hundred
and thirty four do lairs, showing’ that the
current revenue'failed to meet the current
expenses of the department by the sum of
two iviilio>:) forty two thousand and thirty
two* dollars. . The cause which, under the
i(resent postal avsten* and laws, led inevi
tably to this result, ar *, fully explained by
the report of the postmaster General; one
great cause being the- enormous rate# the
department has been compelled to pay for
mail service- rendered by railroad compa
nies. .
The exhibit :& the report of the Post-]
master general of the income and ex pen-l
ditures by mail steamers will be found ‘
peculiarly interesting, and of a character
to demand the immediate action of Con
gress.
Numerous and flagrant frauds upon the
Pension Bureau hare been brought to
light within the last year, mid fn some m :i
stances merited punishments inflicted; bni
unfortunately, in others, guilty parties
have escaped, not through the want oi
sufficient evidence to warreot a conviction,
but in consequence of the provisions of
limitation in the existing laws.
From the nature of the claims, the re -
moteness of the tribunals to pass ttpon
them,- and the mode in which the proof is,
of necessity, furnished, to crime
have been greately stiraupted by the ob
vious difficulties of detection. The de
fects in the law upon this subject are so
apparent, and so fatal to the ends of jus
tice, that your early action relating to it
is most desirable.
During the last fiscal year, nine million
eight hundred aud nineteen thousand four
hundred and eleven acres ofthe public lands
have been surveyed, and ten million three
hundred and sixty three thousandeight hun
dred aid ninety one acres brought into
market. YVithin the same period, tho
sales of public purchase and private entry
amounted to one million eighty-three
thousand four hundred and ninety-five
acres; located under military bounty land
warrants, six million one hundred and
sixty acres, located under other certificates,
nine thousand four hundred and twenty*
seven acres; ceded to the States as swamp
lands sixteen million six hundred and
eighty-four thousand two hundred and
fifty three acres; selected for railroad and
other objects, under acts of Congress, one
million four hundred and twenty-seven
thousand four hundred and fifty-seven
acres Total amount of lands disposed
of within the fiscal rear, twentv-five million
three hundred and forty-six thousand nine
hundred and ninety two acres; which is an
increase in quantity sold, and located un
der laud warrants and grants, of twelve
million two hundred and thirty one thou
sand eight hundred and eighteen acres
over the fiscal year immediately proceed
ing- .... “
The quantity of land sold during the
second and third quarters of 1852, was
three hundred and thirty four thousand
four hundred and fifty-one acres. The
amount received therefor, was six hun
dred and twenty three thousand six hun
dred and eighty seven dollars. The
! quantity sold the second and third quar
ters ofthe year 1853 was one million six
hundred and nine thousand nine hundred
and nineteen acres; and the amonnt re
ceived therefor, two million two hundred
and twenty six thousand eight hudred and
seventy six dollars.
Ihe whole number of land warrants
issued under existing laws, prior to the
30th of September last, was two hundred
and sixty six thousand atid forty two; of
which there were outstanding at that
date, sixty six thousand nine hnndred and
forty Seven. ‘I He quantity of land requir
ed-to satisfy these outstanding warrants, is
four million seven hundred and seventy
eight thousand one hundred and seventy
acres. •
Warrants have been issued’ to 3Cth
September last under the act of litli
bebuary, 1847, calling for twelve million
-eight hundred and seventy nine thousand
and eighty acres; under acts of September
28, 1850 and March 22, 1552, calling
for twelve million five hundred and five
thousand three hundred and sixty acres;
making a total of twenty five million
three hundred and eighty four thousand
six hundred and forty acres.
It is believed that experience has veri
fied the wisdom and justice of the present
system, with regard to the public domain,
in most essential particulars.
You will perceive from the report of
the Secretary of the interior, that opinion
which have often been expressed in rela
tion to the oporation of the land system ns
not being a source of revenue to the feder
al treasury, were erroneous. The net
profits from the sale of the public lands to
June 30ih 1853, amounted to the sum
of fifty three million two hundred and
eighty nine thousand four hundred and
sixty five dollars.
*’ I recommend the extension of the land
system over the Territories of Utah and
New Mexico, with such modifications as
their peculiarities may require.
Regarding our public domain as chief
ly valuable to provide homes for the
industrious aud enterprising. I am not
prepared to recommend any essential
change in the land system, except by
modifications in favor of the actual settler,
and an extention of the preemption princi
ple in certain cases, for reasons, and on
grounds, which will be fully developed in
the reports to be laid before you.
Congress representing the propriertera
of the territorial domain, and charged es
pecially with power to dispose of territo
ry belonging to the United States, has for
a long course of years, beginning with the
administration of Mr. Jefferson, exercised
the power to construct roads in the territo
ries and there are so many and obvious dis
taeutions between the exercise of power
and that of making roads within the
States, that the former has never been
considered subject to such objections as
apply to the latter, and snch may now
be considered the settled construction of
the power of the federal government upon
the subject.
Numerous applications hare been, and
no doubt will continue to be, made for
J rants of land, in aid of the construction
of railways It is not believed to be
within the intent and meaning of the
constitution, that the power to dispose of
the public domain, should be used other
wise than might be expected from a pru
dent proprietor, and, therefore, that
grants of land to aid in the construction
of roads should be restricted to cases
where it would be for the interest of a
proprietor, under like circumstances, to
contribute to the construction of these
works
For the practical operation of snch
g ants thus fur, in advancing the interest
of tlie States in which the works are loca
ted, and at the same time the substantial
interests, of all the States, by enhancing
the value and promoting the rapid sale of
the public domain, I refer you to the re
port ot the Secretary of the interior. A
careful examination, however, will Bhow
that this experience is the result of a just
discrimination, and wilt be far from afford*
to a reckless or indis
criminate extention of the principle.
(To be concluded next Week.)
Louis Napoleon has given a snm of
lOOOOf, towards the monument to- be erec
ted in Hamburgh, to the memory of the
celebrated composer Weber. ,
m JEFFERSONIAN
(MUFFIN. DECEMBER 15, 1853
{OTOMISB TICKET.
..
For Sheriff,
Wiley Patrick.
For Deputies,
Robt. K. Foster,
John L. Giles.
For Clerk Superior Court,
Alexander Bellamy.;
For Clerk Inferior Court,
For Receiver Tux Returns,
Nathaniel Collins.
“t For Tax Collector,
Richard Lawrence,
For County Surveyor,
Richard Ellis.
For Coroner,
J. H. Tiller.
The above Ticket will be supported by
ihe friends of Gen. Pierce’s Administra
tion, and the friends of the Compromise,
at the approaching January Election.
COMPROMISE.
Several communications received, are
unavoidably crowded out this week; they
will appear in our next.
NOTICE.—The regular course of
lectures of the Griffin Lyceum will be
suspended until the first day of Febuary
next C. P. B MARTIN, Pfcfe’t
D. N. Marti*, Sec’ey. , .
The accounts of the Synodical Female
College arc in the hands of Prof. Bramul
ler and Win. T. Martin, who arc hereby
authorized to collect them during my ab
sence; and it is hoped that .prompt pay
ment will be made, as the necessaries of
the Institution demand it.>
i C. P. B. MARTIN, Prcs’t.
We call the attention of our readers to
the President’s Message, a portion of which
will be found in our preceding columns;
it will be concluded in our next week’s
paper. YVc commend it to a careful pe
rusal by all those who are friendly to the
present administration.
The “SOlttEß!”’
It will remembered by all, both great
and small, and every body else, that the
“SOIREE” given by Warren Lodge, No.
20, of I. 0 0. F., will “come off” this
(Thursday) evening, at their new Hall,
on Hill-Street; the proceeds of which is to
be applied in-fitting up the Hall. Let all
who like to spend an hour pleasantly call
around. For. further particular? . see ad
vertisement. - *
Death of Col. AikihMß.
W are paint'd to record the sudden
death, in this city, on yesterday, of Col.
R. A. L. Atkinson, -for several years,*
merchant in Macon, and well known to.
this community. On Saturday last Col.
A. was about the city as usual, but late
thnt evening was taken, unwell, fust,
with something like a chi!!, which resul
ted in Erysiplas of the face and head. He
was not, how ever, considered in a danger
ous condition, until yesterday morning,
when he suddenly grew worse and depart
ted this life ab ipt 11 o’clock, A: M.
Col. Atkinses was a representative
from Bibb county in the last legislature,
and has served for some time aa Secretary
of the board of Trustees of YYeslevan
Female College.
He leaves n wife and Iwo children to
mourn the loss of a kind husband and
father. His Funeral obsequies will take
place at half past 10 o’clock to morrow
morning from his late residence.- —Georgia
Citizen.
Fire in Birnesvillr.
On Tuesday morning last, at 01 o’clock,
a fire broke out in J. P May’s Grocery,
in Barnesrille, and coraumel that building
and the entire row of ouilding.i adjacent
viz: John A. Fryer’s, Bullard’s Cabinet
Shop, Stafford & Gardner’s Store, and
A. Stafford’s dwelling house, Col. Dossier
also sustained some loss. Most of the
goods of Messrs. Stafford & Gardner, and
of Mr. Fryer were saved.— lb.
Coirespondcnce'sfthe Savannah Courier.
LEGISLATIVE PROCEEDINGS.
IS HOUSE OF RSPBKfiE.VTATIVa*
Millkdgkville, Dec. 7.
A Bill to incorporate the city of Dalton
was read the third time and passed.
Tna memorial of Judge Scarborough,
charging the Hon. Abner P. Powere with
malpractice in office, was read and laid
temporarily upon the table.
The Senate amendment of a Bill incor
porating McDonough Coleginte Sam inary,
was lost.
Mr. Hardeman introduced a Bill for the
relief of the securities of Richard Caseett,
late Tax Collector for the eounty of Bibb;
a Bill to amend the second section of an
act authorizing the construction of a Mag
netic Telegraph to the city of Macan;
also, a Bill giving to painters a lieu npoo
buildings in certain cases.
Mr. Shewmake A Bill to repeal eo
much of the 11th section of the 3d article
of the Constitution, as renders sherifla.
ineligible to serve two successive terms;
also,a Bill to appropriate money to re
move obstructions from Brier Creek.
Mr. Green—A Bill to incorporate
Macon Manufacturing Company.
Mr. Cleveland. Habersham—A Bill re
quiring all grants to fractions of land in
this Slate,to be taken out by the, Ist ol
July, 1854.
Mr. Sweat—A Bill to incorporate an
Aeademy in the county ot Meriwether.
Mr. Stapleton —A Bill granting the
Inferior Courts of thie State exclusive
power to grant or withhold licensa for
tha retail of epi:ituotis l.quora
Mr. McMillan—A Bill appropriating’
money to .defray-the expenses of the State
for the politicial years 1854 and 1855.
On motion of Mr. Stewart, of Hancock,
Resolved, That the General Assembly
take; a recess after the 17th instant, until
the 2d Monday in January next.
Mr: Walton—A Bill to authorize dis
tribution of estates in certain cases.
Mr. Griffin-A Bill providing for the elec
tion of assistant clerks for the House of
Representatives.
Mr. McCurdy—A -Bill to amend the
Constitution of this State, so as to reduce
the.number of Justices of the Inferior
Court to one.
Adjourned until 3 P. M. T
t : ... Dec. 10,
The Legislature convened this morn
ing under brighter skies than, we have
bad for the last two days. “The rain is
over and {'one,’’and as a consequnce we
have fuller houses to-day than usual.
There is but little excitement at the
Capitol. The principal inquiry amo ig
the . meinoeis, seems to be“ where shall
Christmas be celebrated.” You may not
he surprised if the resolve to do it at
home
IK THE SEXATIi.
The Judiciary committee failed to
recommend an increase of the salary of
Judges of the supreme Court, hut are of
opinion that an extension of their term
iff office may not be objectionable.
The committee to whom was referred
the bill to alter the Constitution so far as
relates to the times and pi; c.\s of holding
the supreme Courts, repor ed through
their chairman, Mr. Guyton, of Laurens,
in favor ofthe passage ofthe bill, and fix
ing Milledgcville as the petmanel place
for holding said Court.
The Judiciary Committee repoted a
bill for the better protection of the estates
of deceased persons.
The Committee on Banks reported in
favor of the“ln|erior Bank ofthe of States
of Georgia” to be established in the city
of Griffm.
A communication was received from
the House of Kepsentatives informing
the Senate that they had adopted a reso
lution td make a recess front the 21st
instant to the second Monday in January
next.
On motion of Mr. YY’ilhamson of New
ton, the resolution of the House was
taken up. -
Mr. Dunagan moved to lay the resolu
tion on the table for the halance of the
session, upon which an interesting debate
ensued. The yeas and nays being called
for, were yeas 49 nays 38; so the motion
to lay on the table prevailed.
No doubt a motion to reconsider tho
vote on the resolution to make a recess
will be made Monday morning, and you
need not be surprised if it is carried.
Democratic Meeting.
Zebulox, Dec., 6th 1853.
At a meeting of the democratic partv,
of the county of Pike, held in the court
house to-day. Col. N. P. Daniel, on mo
rion, was called to the chair, and Wru. C.
Beckhan requested to act as secritnry.
After the, meeting: was organized, and the
names of the delegates called, the chair
man made a few pertinet remarks, stating
the object of the meeting to be for the
purpose of naming asutiable candidate for
the Legislature to fill the vacancy occa-
WQ by the depth of Win. YV Arnold,
and also to nominate candidates for coun -
ty officers After adopting the old detn -
.ocratic two third rule, (after several
ballottings) John N. Maugham was
nominated for the Legislature, and John
A. Cochran for Clerk Superior court.
’ f "* ‘ Inferior,
Dr. J. C. Beckham.
Sheriff,
Wiley W. Grisham.
D. Sheriff,
John Couch.
Receiver,
Bowling Green.
Collector,
J J. R. Culpepper.
C. Treasury,
i William Barret.
(Surveyor,
, Wm. Williams.
** Coroner,
Joseph Fincher.
On motion of Henry Jones, Resolved,
that the proceedings of the meeting be
signed by the Charman and Secretary,
and published iu the Georgia Jefferson
ian.
N. P. DANIEL. Ch’ra.
Wm. C. Beckham, Sec’t.
o- are authorized to announce th#
name of R. F. M. M \NN, as a candidate
(independent) for the office of sheriff of
Spalding county at the ensuing January
election.
i®?XOTICE. —The undersigned takes
the present method of announcing himself
a Candidate for the office of Tax Collector
at the election in January next, for the
County of Pike. AARON HAMIC
Dee. 6, 1853.
We are authorized to announce the name
of BENJAMIN F MILNER, as a can
date (independent) for the office of Tax
Collector, of Pike county, at the ensuing
January election.
fcjrWeare requested to announce th#
name of Wm. A. Adams, as a candidal#
for Clerk of the Superior Court of Meri
wether county, at th# election to take
place on the first Monday in January next.
t3r*We are authorized to announce the
name ol A. M W’ebb, as a candidate for
the office of Clerk of the Inferior Court
of Meriwether county, at the ensuing Jan
ary election.
To the Voters of Spalding county.
The undersigned feels thankful for past
favors and solicits a continuation of tha
same by re-election, for the office of Tax
Collector. R. LAWRENCE.
We are authorized to announce the
name of Nathaniel Collins, as a candi
date for the office of Tax Collector, at the
ensuing January election.
JVotiee.
a LL person* indebted to th# Kstafe of Will
t iam W. Wiggine, latent’ Spavin* county,
dcceaeed, are hereby nuti:i* *1 to coine forwarJ *u,i
make payment,amltho*e having cu >ma against
aaid deceased are requested to pres-nt them in
erms es the law- MAH YA. WIGGIN ’tHAr.
h.l
